Cherishing the simple things

[Ultralight]

Now that my schedule is rather busy with full time work and 3/4 time school I have had to cut back on so much, as I mentioned in other threads when applicable.

Last weekend though, I was able to go fishing for a couple hours around sunrise both Sat and Sun.

I really cherished that decompression time. I was really "there."

And on Monday after I got home from school around 9pm I still had enough energy and grit to make myself a delicious meal of catfish nuggets, green beans, and fetafire fries. Sitting down and relaxing to this meal in lovely solitude was darn near therapeutic. haha!

I think there are many more challenges coming -- with work, with school, and with general life stuff and logistical mayhem.

But remembering to take that little bit of time and wherewithal to decompress can sure help.

Feel free to share similar experiences. It is good for one's perspective!

[razz]

I can relate to our need for decompression time and its importance. I took off for the theatre at Stratford Festival to see Shakespeare fall in Love yesterday. It is a Tom Stoppard play so, for me, was disappointing in content but the staging, acting and costumes were great. The quiet 1.5 hour drive each way in a beautiful countryside, lovely temperature and sunshine was perfect. The stores in Stratford are wonderful with great ideas, so not being much of a shopper, I could simply roam and enjoy.

I discovered at the Koolen Fine Arts Gallery, the art of Elizabeth Jaworski. That was a treat unto itself.

Then I returned to my responsibilities today.

[Ultralight]

I can relate to our need for decompression time and its importance. I took off for the theatre at Stratford Festival to see Shakespeare fall in Love yesterday. It is a Tom Stoppard play so, for me, was disappointing in content but the staging, acting and costumes were great. The quiet 1.5 hour drive each way in a beautiful countryside, lovely temperature and sunshine was perfect. The stores in Stratford are wonderful with great ideas, so not being much of a shopper, I could simply roam and enjoy.

I discovered at the Koolen Fine Arts Gallery, the art of Elizabeth Jaworski. That was a treat unto itself.

Then I returned to my responsibilities today.

Sounds rather delightful!

[Chicken lady]

Today is a very full day for me, but right now is my planning period. And due to advance planning I am able to sit alone, in my quiet, empty classroom and enjoy a cold, crisp, green apple.

[catherine]

I've had a very full couple of months of fielding and traveling and sitting on the phone for hours on end. I knew I was suffering from at least one or two of the elements of HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired). Maybe all.

So even though I'm working this week, I have very few interviews, and although I have report writing, I can do it on my own flexible schedule. Sitting outside with my binoculars birdwatching has been a treat. Calling family to catch up has been a treat. Sleeping regular hours is a treat.

Yes, when you are charging full speed ahead, you definitely have to cherish those moments. Your fishing expedition sounds wonderful, UA.

razz, I'm totally jealous of your trip to the Shakespeare Festival Theatre. Growing up, I lived right near the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre in Stratford, CT (it's no longer there) and enjoyed many, many plays and experiences there.

[KayLR]

As the days are becoming shorter, I find I "need" to be outdoors as much as possible because I know the rains are coming soon. In the evening (I still work 40 hr/wk) I am finding great pleasure in simply spending 1/2 to 45 min. after dinner cleanup puttering around outside doing some weeding, deadheading my marigolds and looking over the tomatoes that are still coming on. Last night I pruned them back some more so they could more easily get those last fading rays of sun every day. I've also been snipping herbs to dry. Takes such a short time, but it's constructive.

Then I come in, wash my hands and call it a day.

[pony mom]

During my six minute walk commute from work, I take the walking path behind our condos that runs alongside a brook and trees. My job has me on me feet non-stop for eight hours. This time on my feet gives me time to relax and enjoy the scenery. It's beginning to smell like fall, my favorite time of year. I'll be walking to and from work in all sorts of weather and am required to work even when most business are closed due to blizzards (assisted living facility). Hopefully I'll somehow enjoy walking during bad weather too.

[bae]

Every day, I try to take each of my large hounds out solo for a 30-45 minute mini-adventure in the woods. It's great practice learning to read the dog, we're outside, it's exciting because....SQUIRREL!!!!!!....., the dogs are just as happy to slowly stroll (if I'm injured) or fell run like The Wild Hunt if we're both perky.

I get grumpy or feel bad if I don't get my hour or two of outside dog work in every day. So do they.

[rosarugosa]

Walks in the woods are my great simple pleasure in life. I try to be mindful that this is the thing that I always wish I could be doing when I'm doing something else, so I can savor the time when I'm actually doing it. The only downside is that I don't come home with fish to eat like you do, UA!
Similar to what Bae said, I am definitely the worse for it if I don't get to talk a walk.

[Teacher Terry]

I also take my big doggie daily for a 30 minute- 1 hour walk depending on the day. He nags me if I don't do it>8)